Cylinder, left, goes past Imperatriz in the closing stages of the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington. (Image: Racing Photos)
Beaten Newmarket Handicap favourite Imperatriz is firmly on track to defend her Group 1 William Reid Stakes title at The Valley later this month after pleasing connections with her condition on Sunday morning.
Racing Victoria stewards on Saturday reported that Imperatriz had pulled up from her Newmarket Handicap run with the common lung condition EIPH (exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage), but Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis said on Sunday that his team were not concerned.
“We were very happy with her run and she seems to have come up really well this morning,” Ellis said. “So many horses pull up with that (EIPH) and that won’t be a factor moving forward in her campaign.
“She’ll now proceed to Moonee Valley.”
Stewards noted in their report on the Newmarket:
“Imperatriz: Shortly after the start was hampered when tightened for room between Bella Nipotina and Ruthless Dame. Post-race endoscopy of Imperatriz detected a degree of internal exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage that may have affected the mare’s racing performance. A veterinary clearance will be required prior to racing again.”
Ellis said Imperatriz lost none of her greatness with her defeat, where she was run down late by the three-year-old Cylinder as she attempted to match Black Caviar’s weight-carrying feat of 58 kilograms.
“I am very proud of her and with her draw she might not have been in the best spot, but there are no excuses,” he said.
Te Akau Racing will have a large presence at the William Reid Stakes meeting on March 23, with Campionessa to contest the $300,000 G2 Sunline Stakes (1600m), while filly Quintessa will tackle the G2 $500,000 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m).
He said Savabeel filly Certainly will run in the G3 $200,000 Alexandra Stakes (1600m).